Frost dates for Raleigh, North Carolina
In a typical year, Raleigh’s last spring frost lands around Mar 28 and the first fall frost around Nov 8, a growing season of about 225 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 14 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 8 | Oct 28 |
| 50 percent | Mar 28 | Nov 8 |
| 90 percent | Apr 12 | Nov 27 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Raleigh is typically around 60°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Raleigh
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Raleigh’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh’s last spring frost falls around March 28 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by March 8, and one year in ten frost holds on until April 12. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Raleigh?
The first fall frost arrives around November 8 in a typical year, as early as October 28 in an early year and as late as November 27 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Raleigh?
About 225 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Raleigh in?
Raleigh is in USDA hardiness zone 8a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Cary, NC (around Mar 27 to Nov 8)
- Durham, NC (around Apr 2 to Nov 4)
- Fayetteville, NC (around Mar 30 to Nov 10)
- Greensboro, NC (around Apr 1 to Nov 4)
- Roanoke Rapids, NC (around Mar 31 to Nov 9)
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